FB: Centennial Conference

[mandfense]

Great showings by Gettysburg and Ursinus in losing efforts today against quality out of conference foes. 

Either the Bullets and Bears are that much better this year or Hampden-Sydney and Albright are highly overrated.

[norton]

mandfense - Gettysburg may be slightly better because they now can throw a little...HSC was up 35-7 at the half and 42-14 late third and played soft pass d the rest of the way...gave up way too many short passes...but the game was never in doubt...the HSC offense has now played 2 games without their top 2 running backs and scored over 50 both times...their offense is not overrated...we'll see about the d in a few weeks.

[mandfense]

I never questioned the H-SC offense, especially with Ricca back there, but they better hope they can outscore everybody because that defense is highly questionable.

[badbadman]

mandfense - Gettysburg may be slightly better because they now can throw a little...HSC was up 35-7 at the half and 42-14 late third and played soft pass d the rest of the way

GC gained 557 yards in 2005 vs 188 yards in 2004.  They were only down 14 at the end of the 3rd quarter - far from "never in doubt".   They passed for 404 yards which is more than a little.  Have to agree with mandfense - either GC is better or HSC is overrated.  More likely is both are true.

[bulletbob]

Unfortunately, Coach Ricca is right. The game was never in doubt. Did the Bullets play better - yes. Is it sad that we are saying things like "They were only down 14 at the end of the 3rd quarter " as a means of feeling competitive - YES.

This is my first post. I don't use the computer too often, but stumbled upon this site. Why has Gettysburg's program gone from being really great when I was there (1980's) to feeling good about 'only' being down by 14? We were down 35-7 at half. This was not a good showing. Coach Streeter cannot be happy. I feel badly for my old friend.

[badbadman]

True - they were more competitive on the road as opposed to being totally outclassed at home in 2004.   Considering where he was starting from this season, it was a respectable performance. 

[mandfense]

Also throw in that Gettysburg was picked dead last in the conference and some predicted wouldn't win a game.  To put up 40 points on a nationally ranked team on the road is impressive and a moral victory.

But I agree with BBM.  I think Gettysburg is better with Streeter back at the helm, and HS-C is a bit overrated, especially on the defensive side of the ball, once again.

[dea]

Anyone have any insights about the Union-Muhlenberg game?

[youcantwin22]

Union vs. Muhlenberg

I am really looking forward to this matchup.  Union's offense is extremely powerful while Muhlenberg's defense proved against TCNJ why they were the number one defense in the nation last year.  Last years matchup between these two teams was an exciting one.  Muhlenberg had some key turnovers that led to big plays by the Union offense.  Union has a great quarterback and you cant give him the opportunity to take advantage of mistakes because he leads such a powerful offensive attack.  If muhlenberg can get their offense going it could be a barn burner.  I am really looking forward to this game it should be a great one a great offense vs. a great defense, but if im union's quarterback i gotta be having nightmares about #1 from muhlenberg chasing me down in the backfield.



mulhenberg 27   union 23

[frankbailey]

Nightmares huh.....Union returns their entire offensive line. 5 seniors and 2 juniors on the offensive line. I agree that this game will be very fun to watch. but marotti will be ready as he is entering his third year as a starter. Union's offense has many weapons which will be interesting to see how they do on such a tough defense like the mules. i expect a close game but union coming out on top.   

Union 21  Mules 17

[Tlm]

fb,

Now you've gone and given away our pass-blocking secret to Muhlenberg.  The 7 offensive lineman that you listed make it virtually impossible to get near the Union QB, unlike most teams that use only 5 offensive lineman. Add in a fullback and 5 wideouts and the Mules don't have a chance, so long as the refs don't bother to count the 14 players on the field.

As info, last year the Mules sacked Marotti twice, with one coming on a 4th and long on the last offensive play for Union with a minute to play.  That was 25% of the sacks that Union's O-Line gave up all season long.  Marotti did have a great game nonetheless.

Two of Muhlenberg's top pass rushers have graduated but it appears that they still have a number of players that can bring it on defense.

I believe that for Union to win the game in Allentown, they are going to have to be able to run the ball effectively, which has been a pretty tough thing to do against the Mule's defense over the past few years.

It should be a great game.

[youcantwin22]

 fran,

if you wanna talk matchups and experience we can do that.  try this on for size. muhlenberg's defense returns 9 out of its 11 starters from last years number one defense in the nation.  did i mention they only graduated 4 starters on offense.  i realize that marotti is a 3 year starter and i said before he is a great quarterback, but i dont care if your 10th year veteran playing for a superbowl team nobody can complete a pass when they are lying on their back.  it is going to be a great game good luck to both teams.

ps.  nightmares

[empire8fan]

Muhlenburg's D is vastly over rated......Union wont have trouble putting up points on them.

[badbadman]

Muhlenberg graduated three of their best starters from last years defense: Peer, Walker and DellaPella.  Muhlenbergs preview on the CC website says they have 7 starters back.

They totally dominated TCNJ holding them to 73 yards of total offense in week one.  The Union matchup will very interesting after the SJF collapse in last years playoffs.  If I were the Union coach, I would ask SJF for some advice on attacking that tough defense.

[empire8fan]

i wouldnt hold TCNJ as a benchmark, they looked horrible for the 2nd straight game vs Cortland last week.  TCNJ could possibly have the worst starting QB in the east region...